Elucidation of epigenetic regulation of hepatitis B virus replication and its therapeutic application

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26460985
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Gastroenterology
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: TANAKA YASUO 東京大学, 医学部附属病院, 助教 (40422290)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: HBV / エピジェネティクス / cccDNA / ヒストンアセチル化

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We investigated the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation and modification of cccDNA. In HepG 2.2.15 cells, acetylation of histones H3 and H4 in the HBV core promoter region was observed. Dexamethasone treatment enhanced HBV replication by inducing hyperacetylation of histones in the HBV core promoter region. Furthermore, active recruitment of histone acetyltransferases in core promoter region was observed. One of the histone acetyltransferase inhibitors, CPTH2 (GCN5 inhibitor),reduced HBV pgRNA transcription and cancelled transcriptional activation induced by dexamethasone. Our findings may assist in the development of novel effective therapy against HBV.

Free Research Field

肝臓